A65293:385
The Doctrine of Repentance
The doctrine of repentance, useful for these times by Tho. Watson ...
London: printed by R.W. for Thomas Parkhurst, 1668
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Good reason we should go to God for Repentance, 1. Because it is his gift, Act. 11. 18. Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted Repentance unto life. The Arminians hold, that it is in our power to repent. We can harden our hearts, but we cannot soften them. This Crown of Free-will is fallen from our head: nay, there is in us not only impotency, but obstinacy, Act. 7. 51. Therefore beg of God a repentant spirit; he can make the stony heart bleed; his word is verbum creativum, with his command he gives power.
2. We must have recourse to God for this blessing, because he hath promised to bestow it, Ezek. 36. 26. I will give you an heart of flesh. I will soften your Adamant hearts in my Sons blood: show ⟨p. 174⟩God his hand and seal: and there is another gracious promise, Jer. 24. 7. They shall return unto me with their whole heart. Turn this promise into a prayer; Lord give me grace to return unto thee with my whole heart.
2. We must have recourse to God for this blessing, because he hath promised to bestow it, Ezek. 36. 26. I will give you an heart of flesh. I will soften your Adamant hearts in my Sons blood: shew ⟨p. 174⟩God his hand and seal: and there is another gracious promise, Ier. 24. 7. They shall return unto me with their whole heart. Turn this promise into a prayer; Lord give me grace to return unto thee with my whole heart.